The Indiana Fever and New York Liberty may have delivered the most electrifying first half of basketball in the 2025 WNBA regular season. But amid the fireworks, it was Caitlin Clark who shone brightest.
At halftime, the Fever led the Liberty 53-50, fueled by a jaw-dropping performance from their star guard.
Clark dropped 25 points on 9-of-13 shooting, including 6-of-9 from beyond the arc. In a remarkable stretch, she hit three three-pointers in just 38 seconds to close the first quarter.
Her scoring binge continued in the second, punctuated by a deep logo three over two-time MVP Breanna Stewart. Rather than respond with frustration, Stewart turned and laughed, clearly appreciating the moment.
Clark, equally amused by her own shot, shared a brief but telling exchange with Stewart-two stars, one iconic moment.
From envy to admiration: a change in tone across the league
While narratives around Clark‘s arrival in the WNBA have often centered on jealousy or tension with established players, Stewart and her Liberty teammates have embraced her presence. Since Clark‘s debut in 2024, Stewart has shown nothing but respect for the rising star, and her reaction in this game demonstrated that appreciation is growing among the league’s elite.
Clark‘s dominant first half wasn’t just statistically impressive-it was historic. It marked the best single-half performance of her WNBA career and left her just three three-pointers shy of tying the league record for most in a game.
Whether or not Clark breaks that record, what’s clear is this: she’s no longer just the hyped newcomer. She’s now a force who commands respect from even the league’s most decorated players. And in a game where mutual recognition speaks volumes, Stewart‘s laugh said it all.
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